Cork City pub – Oliver Plunkett – launches 1916 programme of events

The Government have plans, and Cork City Council have plans, and it’s refreshing to see the private sector get in on the action!

The Oliver Plunkett venue today launched its programme of events to commemorate the 1916 Rising called “The Rising of the Rebels”. The programme comprises a series of very exciting events, including a specially commissioned play, song competition and series of debates, being run by The Oliver Plunkett in the heart of the city.

“The Rising of the Rebels” programme kicks off with the launch of a song competition, Song for 1916. “Song for 1916” is a competition open to songwriters from around the country, challenged to put pen to paper and write a song that captures the story of the Rising. Entries for the competition, which is now open, can be submitted in MP3 format by email toinfo@theoliverplunkett.ie. Closing date for entries is Friday, 18th March, with the finals being held over the Easter weekend. Two heats, each with eight songs, will be held on Saturday, 26th and Sunday, 27th March and the final of the competition will be held in The Oliver Plunkett on Monday, 28th March.

The venue will host a specially commissioned play, “Revolution”, which brings to life the dramatic story and music of the time over an eight week period, starting on Tuesday, 16th February. The play will climax on Sunday, 24th April, the official centenary of the 1916 Rising. “Revolution” is written by Eoin Halley, who is also plays the lead role and is produced by Paul Sherlock.

The Oliver Plunkett will also be hosting a series of debates, reflecting the different sides of those in favour and opposed to the 1916 Rising.

Paul Montgomery, publican and owner of The Oliver Plunkett said: “We’re delighted to launch our ‘Rising of the Rebels’ programme, which is packed full of entertaining events to mark the one hundredth anniversary of the Easter Rising. I am especially excited about Revolution, which I’ve no doubt will be very popular with both Corkonians and tourists alike. We are expecting that there will be a high demand for tickets so our advice is to book early.

“Song for 1916 is also fantastic opportunity for amateur or experienced song writers. We’re really looking forward to seeing the quality of songs coming through to celebrate such an important event in our history. We have purposely called it Song for 1916 to leave the style of music up to the song writers, we didn’t want to limit people by choosing just one style. And we’ll be delighted to arrange the professional recording of the winning song and an accompanying video,” he added.

A full programme for “The Rising of the Rebels” at The Oliver Plunkett is available at www.theoliverplunkett.com. Tickets for any of the events can be purchased in the venue or online at www.theoliverplunkett.com/1916programme from 27th January.